CHICKEN WITH GARLIC-PEPPER SAUCE

CHICKEN WITH GARLIC-PEPPER SAUCE image

Categories Poultry

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 teaspoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 cup thawed Garlic-Pepper Sauce
Rice and green salad (optional)
GARLIC-PEPPER SAUCE:
(Makes 5 cups; Prep time: 45 minutes; Total time: 45 minutes
This mixture, called sofrito, is used in many Latin American recipes as a seasoning base; it can even replace salsa as a dip for chips. Before using it in recipes, thaw completely in the refrigerator or microwave.)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, coarsely chopped (4 cups)
2 green bell peppers, ribs and seeds removed, coarsely chopped (2 1/4 cups)
2 red bell peppers, ribs and seeds removed, coarsely chopped (2 1/4 cups)
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large tomato, cored and coarsely chopped (2 cups)
3 cups mixed cilantro leaves and tender stems
Coarse salt and ground pepper
In a 5-quart Dutch oven or pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring often, until starting to soften, about 5 minutes.
Add bell peppers, garlic, oregano, and cumin; cook, stirring often, until peppers are crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Add tomato; cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes more.
Transfer to a food processor. Add cilantro, and purée until slightly chunky. Season with salt and pepper.
If not using immediately, transfer sauce, in 1-cup quantities, to airtight containers. Freeze until ready to use, up to 3 to 4 months.

Steps:

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until lightly browned on the first side, about 5 minutes. 2. Turn chicken; add Garlic-Pepper Sauce and 2 tablespoons water. Bring to a simmer. Cover, and cook until chicken is opaque throughout, 8 to 10 minutes. 3. Divide chicken among four plates. Season sauce with salt and pepper; spoon over chicken. Serve with rice and salad, if desired. Serves 4; Prep time: 15 minutes; Total time: 20 minutes